The most cost efficient method is to get a cheap 48" fixture to span the tank. You may have to remove the hood to do that, though. Another thing would be to install a retrofit kit into the existing hoods.

Personally though if I just wanted something simple, cheap, and effective without going super high tech , I'd just get a cheap oddysea fixture from ebay. ~$65 shipped and be done with it.

^^^ Yes. If you plan to keep low light plants you can just replace the bulbs that come with it for bulbs that promote plant growth like the aqueon floramax bulbs. Just do some research on low light plants and you'll find a great variety. You can always plan on doing another fixture later if you want. I plan on doing something custom in the future just because I'm never satisfied and this hobby is quickly becoming a sickness.

Excellent choice on the 55. I have several and am a real fan of low light and low tech. I recommend either the 48 inch, 6500 K, 32 watt, T8 or the 48 inch, 6500 K, 40 watt, T12. Both will grow low light plants very well and the bulbs are less than $10.00 each at the local hardware stores.

I like to experiment with low light plants and different liquid ferts just to see what will grow. Attached are pics of a couple of my "Crazy Tanks".

Above all, have fun!

B

__________________"Fear not, my young apprentice. Just change the tank water."